How to be Smarter: The same rule to getting a tattoo applies to sending a harshly-worded text message: stop, take a moment to think about it, and decide if it’s really the impression you want someone to have of you forever.

How to be Prettier: When walking to greet someone, after they come into view, be looking at them and smiling the whole walk towards them. The benefit is two-fold: smiling puts you in a good mood, and for the other person, it’s exciting to have someone walking towards them looking especially happy to see them.

How to be (less) Awkward: Even boring things become more fun when you brand them–any opportunity you have to label an event or chore should be taken. Some examples: Fun Food Fridays each week with your coworkers during Friday lunch, The Interview Suit Shopping Expedition of 2011 (abbreviated as ISSE’11 in every text message with your mom coordinating shopping times, and Blue Mondays where everyone in your apartment must wear blue, and whoever comes out of their room dressed to go missing a blue item has to buy everyone coffee on the way to class/work.

How to be Smarter: Always believe that you can change. When you stop believing you can change, you settle for the person you are today, instead of striving to be an even better person tomorrow.

How to be Prettier: My last post talked about the importance of decorating any place you spend a lot of time; it’s hard for me to think of something cuter than this mini mint type-writer that can hold a small picture or a business card. I just placed an order for one to decorate my desk area, and I think I’m going to put a notecard with one of my favorite quotes about writing in it.

How to be (less) Awkward: The subject of movies always seems to come up on first dates; pre-date, scan the movie listings to see if any good movies are out currently you could express an interest in (and maybe that could be your second date).

How to be Prettier: Even if a space isn’t your favorite place to be (your office cubicle, your tiny dorm bedroom, your cramped apartment kitchen), any place you spend a lot of time deserves to be decorated in a way that makes you smile.

How to be (less) Awkward: A great gift idea for a friend that has just started a new job is a subscription to her industry’s trade magazine, or a small collection of popular books written about her field.

How to be Smarter: When buying a food item to enjoy immediately, make sure to double-check with the cashier that utensils (forks, spoons, knives) are included in the bag. Nothing is more frustrating than going through a drive-thru, getting so excited to eat your meal, and after sitting down at your picnic spot realizing there is no silverware in the bag.

How to be Prettier: The benefit of borrowing a dress from a roommate or friend is that you don’t have to pay for the item; however, when borrowing, factor in the cost of dry cleaning. A borrowed dress should never be returned in any condition other than dry-cleaned and ready for the owner to wear again. [Note: be sure to verbally confirm with the owner than the piece can be dry-cleaned; if the fabric is extra-sensitive the owner might actually prefer you do not get it dry-cleaned].

How to be (less) Awkward: The value of not freaking out over little things, like someone cutting you in line, can be seen in this cute story.

How to be Smarter: I just finished The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp, and found myself writing down quotes from it on almost every page: it’s a book that does a great job of marrying the concept of being imaginative with the concept of structured productivity.

How to be Prettier: The size of your bag is simple math: the bag you bring out at night should be smaller than the bag you carry around during the day.

How to be (less) Awkward: The fastest way to feel better is to look into someone else’s eyes, and just say how you are feeling (“I’m so sad about the break-up,” “I feel nervous I let you down,” “I think I’m in the wrong major/career.”) The instant the words come out, you will feel 1000% better.

P.S. This week I’m thrilled to have chosen a few of my favorite pieces for LovingEco’s Tastemaker Picks. 3% of this week’s net proceeds will support Stand Up 2 Cancer, and LovingEco is also offering a discount to Smart Pretty and Awkward readers: use the discount code SMART10 for 10% off the site, valid until midnight PST on Wednesday, August 31st.